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: Lions on a Mission to Break a World Record Raising Funds for Childhood Cancer Research this February

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Lions on a Mission to Break a World Record Raising Funds for Childhood Cancer Research this February

Posted: 3 Feb 2019

In recognition of Childhood Cancer Day on 15th February, Lions are encouraging Australia to support Australian Lions Childhood Cancer Research Foundation.

Lions are attempting to break the world record for ‘Longest Coin Line’ with 5 cent pieces before providing the funds to Lions Australia Childhood Cancer Research Foundation.

If every Australian donates 5 cents Lions could raise over $1.2 million for Childhood Cancer research.

Over the past 40 years, the Australian Lions Childhood Research Foundation has raised over $10 million for Childhood Cancer research including the current $4 million Lions Kids Cancer Genome Project with the Garvan Institute.

Throughout February Lions across Australia are not only on a mission to raise awareness and much needed funds for Childhood Cancer research but are also aiming to break a world record while doing so!

Australians are being encouraged to get behind the fundraiser in recognition of World Childhood Cancer Day on 15th February. Thousands of schools are being asked to conduct a Coin Line on that day, then contribute to the ALCCRF. Every home, business place, government department and armed force can also contribute.

“This fundraiser is for our children, it affects all Australians. Every dollar donated will go towards funding vital research but before it does it will be used to raise awareness of Australian Lions Childhood Cancer Research Foundation,” says Keith Stewart, District Governor of Central Coast and Hunter Valley Lions, the Clubs driving the national fundraiser.

All funds raised in any denomination will be converted by Lions to 5 cent pieces. The coins will be laid on the athletic track of the Hunter Sports Centre, Lake Macquarie on 16th March while attempting to break the Guinness Book of World Records, ‘Longest Coin Line’ record.

“Each year far too many lives are affected by childhood cancer. In Australia, over 950 kids are diagnosed with cancer each year and nearly 3 young lives are lost each week. Many of these cancers are aggressive and hard to treat. Although survival rates have improved greatly for some, most cancers take a heavy toll on young people’s lives and often side effects of treatment can be serious and lifelong,” says Kate Moore ALCCRF District Chair.

“Australian Lions Childhood Cancer Research Foundation is on a mission to increase survival rates and improve treatment options by funding leading research into childhood cancer here and around the world,” adds Kate Moore.

“If every Australian donated 5 cents in February we could raise over $1.2 million for much needed research into Childhood Cancer and break a world record too,” says Keith Stewart.

Over the past 40 years, the Australian Lions Childhood Research Foundation has raised over $10 million for childhood cancer research. The Foundation has funded 10 major research projects in the last 7 years including the current $4 million Lions Kids Cancer Genome Project with the support of Lions Clubs International. In its first 3 years the project is providing whole genome sequencing and analysis for 400 children with high risk cancer in Australia.

Whole genome sequencing makes it possible to develop personalised cancer treatment by integrating genetic information with other biological and clinical data. In addition, the study will identify genetic changes in each child’s DNA that might predispose to cancer, helping to build up a database of genetic risk factors that could assist with prevention and treatment strategies in the future.

“The funds we raise in coming weeks, will further enhance the incredible work of the Lions Kids Childhood Cancer Genome Mapping project being carried out by the Garvan Institute,” says Keith Stewart.

“Every child deserves a chance at a healthy life and Australian Lions Childhood Cancer Research Foundation is on a mission to make this happen. We ask all Australians to join Lions in February in raising funds to support the vital lifesaving work and research of this incredible organisation,” adds Keith Stewart.

Donations can be made to your local Lions Club or through the following:

Follow the Facebook page Australian Lions Longest Coin Line to share pictures and stay up to date.

If sharing on Twitter or Instagram please use the hashtag #LionsCoinLine

About Lions Australia

Where there’s a need, there’s a Lion. Lions Australia is Australia’s largest service organisation with more than 1200 clubs in Australia and Papua New Guinea. Lions Australia promotes youth, support medical research, provide aid to people with disability, community service and disaster relief.

Lions are our friends, family and neighbours, they share a core belief: community is what we make it.

Over the years, the Australian Lions Childhood Research Foundation has raised over $10million for childhood cancer research – and has supported countless Australian organisations leading the fight against childhood cancer.

Australian Lions Childhood Cancer Research Foundation has funded 10 major research projects in the last 7 years including the current $4million Lions Kids Cancer Genome Project with the support of Lions Clubs International.

About the Lions Kids Cancer Genome Project

The Lions Kids Cancer Genome Project is a joint initiative of the Garvan Institute of Medical Research, the Lions Clubs International Foundation and the Australian Lions Childhood Cancer Research Foundation. The project will be supporting Australia’s national personalised medicine program for childhood cancer – the Zero Childhood Cancer Program, led by Children’s Cancer Institute and the Kids Cancer Centre, Sydney Children’s Hospital Randwick. In its first 3 years the project is providing whole genome sequencing and analysis for 400 children with high risk cancer in Australia who will be enrolled in the Zero Childhood Cancer Program.